The business of infant formula is on track to hit $110 billion by the year 2026. Formula feedings are a popular option because they add flexibility and today’s formulas are such high quality. You’re less reliant on mother’s milk and can feed your baby on-demand with the right formula.
But how much formula does your baby need each day? We’re happy to fill you in. Follow the tips below for a formula feeding schedule and background information that’ll help.
Decide on a Formula Feeding Schedule
Start by figuring out the appropriate baby feeding schedule for your infant. When you have a newborn baby, give them a bottle every 2-3 hours apart to keep them well-fed. After they pass the 2-month mark, give your baby a bottle every 3 to 4 hours.
Once the baby reaches 4 months, they should be fed every 4 to 5 hours. Stick to the schedule so that your baby is properly gaining weight. This might also involve waking them up from naps or sleep to get a bottle.
Communicate With Your Pediatrician
Having a pediatrician that you trust will help you keep your baby on track with feeding. They’ll chart the baby’s weight each visit to make sure they’re growing how they should. From here, doctors may offer advice on scaling up to more or fewer bottles per day.
Newborn formula feeding has some rules of thumb but is largely a case-by-case basis, and a pediatrician can steer you in the right direction.
Choose a Great Infant Formula
Find the highest quality formula for your baby’s needs. Study the formula feeding chart to make sure you have clear instructions on how much should go into a bottle, and read the nutritional facts to know your baby is getting the building blocks they need each day.
Study which brands are the most trusted by pediatricians and parents. You may also have some dietary preferences for your little one. For instance, you might choose between Hipp vs Holle if you’re shopping for organic formula. Shop with the brand that you trust so that your child gets the food they need.
Monitor Bottle Types and Amounts
Finally, choose a bottle that is best for your baby. It should be shaped in a way that is easy to transfer to the baby’s mouth, with an airtight lid that minimizes spills. The bottle should also have measurement lines so that you always know how much formula and water you’re feeding your baby.
Keep track of each bottle you give them, and whether or not your baby is finishing them or leaving formula in the bottle. Rotate the bottles regularly, making sure that they’re thoroughly cleaned and kept in a safe, dry location.
Take Great Care of Your Baby
The tips above will help you figure out a formula feeding schedule that you’ll gladly stick to. Parenthood is something that you learn on the job, and these sorts of matters are skillsets that you build on little by little.
We’re happy to assist you with this and other baby matters. Read our other articles on parenthood and make us your one-stop-shop for information and advice.
